Whitcomb Mansion, Worcester
Built in 1879, the Whitcomb Mansion, also known as Whitcomb House, is a high Victorian Queen Anne-style mansion. It was designed by renowned Worcester architect Stephen Earle. It served as the home of George H. Whitcomb, a leading businessman and philanthropist of the era. The mansion is one of the few surviving examples of Earle's residential designs, making it a significant architectural and historical landmark in the city.
George Whitcomb, originally from Templeton, Massachusetts, amassed his fortune in the envelope manufacturing industry and also engaged in extensive real estate dealings in Worcester and beyond. He was well-known for his philanthropic endeavors, particularly in the field of education across the United States. After Whitcomb's death in 1918, his mansion was bequeathed to the Society for the Blind, showcasing his lasting commitment to charitable causes.
Architecturally, the Whitcomb Mansion is an asymmetrical, polychromatic, three-story granite structure. Its front facade is divided into three sections, with the central section featuring a projecting gable-ended entry. This entryway includes a front door flanked by sidelights and topped by a half-round window, all set within a recessed archway. Above the door on the second level, a pair of windows is adorned with a decorative cast iron balcony. A carriage house with a steep slate roof and cupola stands behind the mansion, constructed from local stone.
Recognizing its architectural and historical significance, the house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places twice: individually in 1977 as Whitcomb House and as part of a multiple resources listing in 1980 as Whitcomb Mansion.
George Whitcomb, originally from Templeton, Massachusetts, amassed his fortune in the envelope manufacturing industry and also engaged in extensive real estate dealings in Worcester and beyond. He was well-known for his philanthropic endeavors, particularly in the field of education across the United States. After Whitcomb's death in 1918, his mansion was bequeathed to the Society for the Blind, showcasing his lasting commitment to charitable causes.
Architecturally, the Whitcomb Mansion is an asymmetrical, polychromatic, three-story granite structure. Its front facade is divided into three sections, with the central section featuring a projecting gable-ended entry. This entryway includes a front door flanked by sidelights and topped by a half-round window, all set within a recessed archway. Above the door on the second level, a pair of windows is adorned with a decorative cast iron balcony. A carriage house with a steep slate roof and cupola stands behind the mansion, constructed from local stone.
Recognizing its architectural and historical significance, the house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places twice: individually in 1977 as Whitcomb House and as part of a multiple resources listing in 1980 as Whitcomb Mansion.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Worcester. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Whitcomb Mansion on Map
Sight Name: Whitcomb Mansion
Sight Location: Worcester, USA (See walking tours in Worcester)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Worcester, USA (See walking tours in Worcester)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Worcester, Massachusetts
Create Your Own Walk in Worcester
Creating your own self-guided walk in Worcester is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Worcester Introduction Walking Tour
Known as the "Heart of the Commonwealth," Worcester's central location in Massachusetts has played a pivotal role in its development from a quiet settlement to a bustling urban center.
The name "Worcester" is taken from the city in England. The Massachusetts counterpart was incorporated in 1722 and has since grown into the second-largest city in New England. Its growth... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
The name "Worcester" is taken from the city in England. The Massachusetts counterpart was incorporated in 1722 and has since grown into the second-largest city in New England. Its growth... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Worcester Historic Houses Walk
Worcester, Massachusetts, is not just a hub of modern development and educational excellence; it also harbors a rich collection of historic residences, each with its own story and architectural significance. These houses offer a glimpse into the lives of some of the city's influential figures from various periods and the architectural trends that shaped their homes.
One of the notable... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
One of the notable... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Worcester Architectural Jewels
In Worcester, Massachusetts, you'll find a trove of architectural wonders reflecting the city's rich historical and cultural heritage. Among these jewels is Mechanics Hall, a stunning Victorian-era concert hall renowned for its complex design and exceptional acoustics. Nearby stands the Wesley United Methodist Church, an elegant example of Gothic Revival architecture, with its towering... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Canal District Walking Tour
The Canal District in Worcester, Massachusetts, is a lively and historic area that has seen considerable rejuvenation recently. Originally home to the Blackstone Canal, instrumental in Worcester's industrial boom during the 19th century, the neighborhood has evolved into a vibrant center of activity. It skillfully merges Worcester’s industrial past with contemporary urban growth, showcasing... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles